JP4790961B2 - Ballast block deck systems and their pedestal assemblies - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Field of the Invention]
The present invention relates generally to a deck pavement system used to provide a high traffic bearing surface on an existing roof of a building, and more particularly, the present invention combines and secures a ballast block at a position higher than the roof. The present invention relates to an aerodynamically stable deck pavement system using a pedestal assembly.
[0002]
[Background of the invention]
Many buildings are built with a slightly inclined roof structure. This roof structure can support a substantially horizontal surface or deck where the roof can be used as a courtyard or equivalent. Typically, such roof surfaces are tilted at a given angle from the horizontal to drain rainwater and melted snow and ice. The roof surface itself is generally made of a material that does not provide a suitable traffic bearing surface and is not good looking.
[0003]
Examples of aerodynamically stable roof pavement systems are provided by Repasky US Pat. Nos. 5,887,397 and 5,377,468. The disclosed system utilizes legged and secured ballast blocks that are designed to withstand lifting when exposed to strong winds.
[0004]
Non-integrated ballast block systems are disclosed in Repasky US Pat. No. 5,442,882, Creske US Pat. No. 4,570,397, and Buzon US Pat. No. 5,588,264. A pedestal is used to support and level the series of non-interlocking ballast blocks. However, non-intersecting ballast blocks are simply placed on the pedestal and there is nothing to fix to each other or to the pedestal, so the blocks tend to be lifted by strong winds compared to alternating ballast blocks Is strong.
[0005]
Ueno et al U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,580 involves the use of an insulating panel and an upper protective panel supported on a pedestal above the existing roof surface. This system uses a corner cap, which is secured to the pedestal and overlies the corner portion of the protective panel, thereby capturing the protective panel on the pedestal.
[0006]
Various indoor high floor panel systems using pedestals to support floor panels are also known. For example, Propst US Pat. No. 5,333,423, Likozar US Pat. No. 4,621,468, Ducrouk US Pat. No. 5,052,157 and the corresponding Re. 35,369, Germeroth et al. 4,578,910 and Naka et al. 4,922,670, 4,996,804 and 5,072,557. In particular, the Propst patent reveals a removable floor panel secured to the pedestal by placing a corner cap on the pedestal that is supported on the pedestal at the corner and attached to the pedestal with fastening screws.
[0007]
Although the rooftop ballast block and indoor floor panel disclosed in the above cited patent function satisfactorily in certain circumstances, there is a need for an improved rooftop ballast block that is strong and still stable. The system should allow proper drainage to the underlying roof surface and should be provided with means for securing the corners of adjacent ballast blocks together. Preferably, the ballast block should be secured to the pedestal in such a way as to withstand both upward and relative lateral movement of the ballast block. In addition, the ballast block system must be able to be manufactured and installed efficiently and be used with a stackable type pedestal that provides a leveling function.
[0008]
[Object of invention]
In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved and economical ballast block deck system for forming a high traffic bearing surface on an existing roof of a building. This system should be easy and proper to install in a way that requires the skill level of the average deck installer.
[0009]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a ballast block deck system that supports the ballast block so that the deck can remain stable under strong winds, and that utilizes a pedestal for leveling and fixing in combination.
[0010]
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved pedestal assembly for supporting and securing a ballast block so as to prevent undesirable upward or lateral movement of the ballast block.
[0011]
[Summary of Invention]
More particularly, the present invention provides a ballast block deck system having a large number of ballast blocks, which are laterally positioned in a grid pattern to form a tall deck on an existing roof structure. . Each of the ballast blocks has a predetermined thickness and a number of corner portions, and the grid pattern includes intersecting areas where the corner portions of adjacent ballast blocks extend. A pedestal assembly is placed directly under one intersection area and supports the corner portions of adjacent ballast blocks at a spacing distance above the existing roof surface.
[0012]
The pedestal assembly includes a support surface for supporting the corner portion upward, a corner cap on the corner portion, and a fixture for removably attaching the corner cap to the support plate. When installed, the corner portions of adjacent ballast blocks in the grid intersection area are captured between the support plate and the corner caps of the pedestal. The corner portion of the ballast block preferably has a recessed area so that the corner cap and the top surface of the ballast block are flush, and the corner portion prevents lateral movement of the pedestal and other blocks. It is preferable to have a groove for cooperating with a flange hanging from the corner cap.
[0013]
According to another aspect of the invention, a pedestal assembly for supporting a ballast block deck is provided. The pedestal assembly includes an upper support plate, a removable cap, and a fixture as described above.
[0014]
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a portion of an exterior roof 10 of an existing roof or similar structure of a building. A series of rectangular ballast blocks 12 are arranged in a grid-like arrangement, or pattern, which are supported at spaced intervals above the roof outer surface 10 to provide a substantially horizontal traffic support surface 14. Surface 14 provides a beautiful look and turns the space above the roof that could otherwise be used into a courtyard or the like.
[0015]
Preferably, as shown, each ballast block 12 is made of concrete and the plane is substantially square. Each block 12 is provided with a substantially flat top surface 16 except for the recesses 18 and grooves 20 formed in the corner portions 22 of the block 12. Preferably, each block has a substantially flat bottom surface 24 and each concrete 26 is cut off to provide an end wall 28. The top surface 16 and the bottom surface 24 define a thickness T1 of the block 12 that is substantially parallel and can range, for example, from about 38.1 to 76.2 mm (1.5 to 3 inches). Of course, ballast blocks having other shapes, surface features, thicknesses, etc. may be used. In addition, other types of layouts or patterns can be used.
[0016]
The pedestal 30 is used to support the corner portion 22 of the adjacent ballast block 12 as disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,442,882, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For this purpose, one pedestal 30 is placed directly under each crossing area 32 of the grid-like arrangement of ballast blocks 12 and the entire deck is lifted from the roof outer surface 10 at a distance. The spacing provided between the block 12 and the roof surface 10 and the spacing between the laterally positioned blocks 12 allows proper drainage through the liquid ballast block deck of rainy liquid to the roof.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 3, each pedestal includes an upper support plate 34 having a central upstanding hub 36 and upstanding walls 38 extending radially therefrom. The hub 36 is positioned at the intersection of the four blocks 12 and the upright wall 38 defines a separate quarter-circular support surface 40 so that the corner portions of the four adjacent blocks 12 are easily on the support plate 34. Can be positioned. The thickness T2 of the upstanding wall 38 helps define the required drainage spacing between adjacent blocks 12.
[0018]
Each pedestal 30 includes a removable cap or corner cap 42 that can be coupled to the support plate 34. The cap 42 overlies four adjacent block corner portions 22 such that the pedestal 30 secures the block 12 in the intersection area 32. Thus, the entire deck is structurally joined together and resists undesirable movements caused by strong winds that may be experienced on a rooftop of a building such as a high-rise building.
[0019]
A fixture 44 is used to secure the cap 42 to the support plate 34. For this reason, the fixture 44 extends through the central opening 46 of the cap 42 and securely engages the central hub 36 of the support plate 34. Preferably, the fixture 44 is a screw having a head portion 48 that mates with the cap 42 and a screw portion 50 that mates with a screw hole 52 placed in the hub 36. As shown, the plastic fixture 44 has a central passage 70 and is molded. The upper half 72 of the central passage 70 is shaped to fit with a hex wrench to tighten the fixture, and the lower half 74 of the central passage 70 provides a drainage path through the fixture 44 for rainwater and the like. Of course, in the method of attaching the corner portion of the block to the pedestal 30, another fixture for connecting the cap 42 to the support plate 34 may be used.
[0020]
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the cap 42 faces the recessed area 18 of the ballast block 12 so that the upper surface 54 of the cap 42 is flush with the upper surface 16 of the ballast block 12. Further, preferably, the flange 56 hangs down from the cap 42 and extends into the groove 20 formed in the corner portion 22 of the ballast block 12. Thus, the groove 20 and the flange 56 provide complementary securing means to provide lateral movement of the ballast block 12 with respect to the pedestal 30 and lateral with respect to the other ballast blocks 12 forming other parts of the deck. Prevent directional movement. Of course, other complementary securing means may be provided on the cap and block to provide the functions described above.
[0021]
The illustrated embodiment of the corner portion 22 of the ballast block 12 according to the present invention is best shown in FIG. The corner 26 of the block 12 is cut off to form an end wall 28 that provides a gap for the hub 36 of the support plate 34 when placed on the support plate 34. A groove 20 formed in the corner portion 22 of the block 12 is spaced from and extends substantially parallel to the end wall 28, and the ballast block 12 is further connected to each end wall 28 and each groove 20. The space between them is recessed. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, each corner portion 22 is defined by a trapezoidal shape from the end wall 28 to the groove 20. The groove 20 extends deeper into the ballast block 12 than the recessed area 18 and allows the block 12 to be secured laterally to the pedestal 30.
[0022]
As an example of the dimensions of the ballast block 12 according to the present invention, each block is approximately 60 × 60 cm (23.5 × 23.5 inches) in plane. Each corner portion 22 is cornered so that the length of each sidewall 28 is approximately 1.5 inches. The groove 20 extends from the top surface 16 of the block 12 to a depth of about 15.9 mm (0.625 inches) and the recessed area 18 is about 9.5 mm (0.375 inches) deep from the top surface of the block 12. is there. The groove 20 is formed by an inclined wall extending at an angle of about 60 ° from the horizontally disposed upper surface 16 of the block 12. The edge of the groove 20 closest to the end wall 18 is parallel to the end wall 28 and spaced from the end wall 28 by approximately 54.0 mm (2.125 inches). The edge of the groove 20 furthest from the end wall 28 is spaced about 3 inches from the end wall 28.
[0023]
The cap 42 in the illustrated embodiment is square in plane and overlies the corner portion 22 of the ballast block 12. The flange 56 hangs from the bottom surface 58 of the cap 42 adjacent to the outer periphery 60 of the cap 42 and continuously extends along the cap outer periphery 60. The central opening 46 of the cap 42 is chamfered to allow the head 48 of the fixture 44 to sit flush with the top surface 16 of the ballast block 12. Other cap shapes can be used. For example, the cap can be circular in plan and the dependent flange can be arcuate. Alternatively, other forms of caps and flanges having discontinuous or multiple rows of dependent flanges can be used.
[0024]
Support plate 34, cap 42, and fixture 44 are preferably made of durable plastic. The upper surface 62 of the support plate 34 and the lower surface 58 of the cap 42 are such that they have a number of reinforcing ribs 64 to reduce the amount of plastic required to manufacture the components and to provide a sturdy pedestal structure. Can be molded. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a large number of drain openings 66 in the support plate 34.
[0025]
The support plate 34 is preferably configured to stack on a stackable pedestal 68 as disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,442,882. For this purpose, a number of horizontal compensators can be stacked together to provide a predetermined level horizontal support surface above the existing roof surface 10.
[0026]
The ballast block deck system and pedestal assembly described above according to the present invention provides a stable and high traffic support surface on an existing rooftop. This deck is easy to install and inexpensive to manufacture. A set of fixtures 44 of various lengths can be provided on each pedestal 30 so that fixtures having appropriate lengths can be used according to the thickness T1 of the ballast block 12. The appropriate length of fixture 44 is preferably slightly longer than the thickness T 1 of the ballast block 12.
[0027]
Although a preferred ballast block deck system and pedestal assembly has been described in detail, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the ballast block deck system and pedestal assembly according to the present invention as defined in the claims. , And changes can be made.
[0028]
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ballast block deck system using the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the ballast block deck system taken along line 2-2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ballast block de-system as viewed from above the upper surface of the ballast block.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ballast block de-system as viewed from below the bottom surface of the ballast block.
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a ballast block deck system similar to that of FIG. 2 except that line 2-2 has been rotated about 45 ° about the fixture.

Claims (26)

On the roof structure of the existing, a ballast block deck system for forming a higher than has been surface (14) its outer surface (10),
A plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned in a grid pattern to form a deck, each ballast block (12) having a predetermined thickness (T1) and a number of corner portions ( 22) and has a, the lattice-like pattern includes a cross-section (32), said corner portion (22) extending building the ballast blocks of the plurality of ballast blocks (12) adjacent to therein (12), and the intersection zone (32), one of the base assembly placed below the to support the spacing corner portions (22) above the roof of the existing prior Fang last block (12) to Oita position (30)
Said base assembly (30) is a support plate having a (34) having a support surface for supporting from the bottom corner portion (22) before Fang last block (12), further said base assembly (30 ) is removable cap overlying the corner portion of the front Fang last block (12) (22) (42), and said corner portion (22) of the support plate of the ballast blocks (12) (34 ) and the ballast block deck system characterized by having a support plate (34) on said cap (42) removably attaching fasteners (44) so as to be captured between said cap (42). A ballast block deck system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the cap (42) and the corner portion (22) have complementary fastening means. The complementary securing means of the cap (42) is a flange (56) depending from the cap (42), and the complementary securing means of the corner portion (22) is adapted to receive the flange (56). 3. A ballast block deck system according to claim 2 , characterized in that the groove (20) is an upwardly open groove that is dimensionally dimensioned. And wherein a cap (42) around the edge (60), Ru further Ttei Taresaga from the adjacent cap (42) to the flange (56) said peripheral edge (60) The ballast block deck system according to claim 3. It said flange (56) comprises a ballast block deck system according to claim 4, characterized in that that extend continuously along the periphery of the rim (60) of the cap (42). The ballast block (12) and the cap (42) have upper surfaces (16, 54), and the upper surface (54) of the cap (42) is the same as the upper surface (16) of the ballast block (12). ballast block deck system according to claim 3, wherein said corner portion (22) is Ru Tei is recessed as can become surface. The support plate (34), wherein on the support surface has an extended Biteiru multiple upright wall radially defining a quadrant (40) (38), each of said quadrant (40) is the adjacent ballast block deck system according to claim 2, characterized in that that supported the one of said corner portion (22) of the plurality of ballast blocks (12). The support plate (34) on said upstanding wall (38) the thickness of having a (T2), this thickness to permit the discharge of fluid into the roof surface of the existing underlying through the deck , the lateral spacing substantially equal and ballast block deck system according to claim 7, wherein the Ru Tei define the spacing between the adjacent plurality of ballast blocks (12). The fixture (44) is a screw having a head (48) and a screw shaft (50), and the cap (42) has a central opening (46) for mating with the head (48) , 9. The ballast block deck system according to claim 8, wherein the support plate (34) has a screw hole (52) placed in the center for mating with the screw shaft (50). It said screw, the ballast block deck system according to claim 9, wherein the having the thickness greater than the length of the ballast block (12). It said screw, so as to provide a drainage path through the screw, the ballast block deck system according to claim 9, wherein it has an extended Biteiru central passage (70) axially through the screw. Wherein said support plate (34) is received so as to be stacked on said base assembly (30), it further with said base assembly (30) is at least two stackable members (34,68) The ballast block deck system according to claim 8. Ballast block deck system according to claim 8, wherein said base assembly (30) and wherein the Ru Tei made of molded plastic material. On the roof structure of the existing, a ballast block deck system for forming a higher than has been surface (14) its outer surface (10),
Each has a top surface (16) and a bottom surface ( 24) , and each has a corner portion (22) , and the top surface (16) of the corner portion (22) has a groove ( 20) and a recessed area (18), a number of ballast blocks (12) in which the groove (20) has a depth greater than the recessed area (18), and an existing roof surface ( extending from 10), and the co Na portion (22) you support pedestal assembly of a plurality of ballast blocks (12) adjacent to the roof surface of the existing spacing above the (10) in Oita position (30)
With
Said base assembly (30), said support plate having a plurality of upstanding walls that are supporting lifting plate (34) on the separate supporting surface (40) to partition (38) has a (34), wherein said bottom surface (24) mating the front Symbol corner of each of the support surfaces (40) of the ballast blocks (12) (22),
Said base assembly (30) has a front cap (42) overlying the corner Fang last block (12) (22), the cap (42), said cap (42) is pre Kiba last block (12) of said upper surface (16) substantially the recess zone (18) to have the same level position within Serare, and have a flange (56) hanging down into the groove (20) in and the ballast block deck system characterized in that it has further the pedestal assembly (30), said removably the cap (42) the support plate (34) to mount the hold-down fixtures (44). Wherein said upstanding wall on the support plate (34) (38) has a thickness of a (T2), the thickness of the discharge of fluid through the deck to the roof surface of the existing underlying (10) 15. A ballast block deck system according to claim 14 , wherein the ballast block deck system is substantially equal to and defines a lateral spacing between the adjacent ballast blocks (12) to allow. A pedestal assembly (30) for supporting the ballast block (12) in a spaced position above the existing roof structure,
An upper support plate (34) having a plurality of substantially flat ballast blocks (12) support surfaces (40) separated by radially extending upstanding walls (38);
The upper support plate at a position above the support surface (40) such that the cap (42) and the upper support plate (34) capture a portion of the ballast block (12) therebetween. Cap (42) removably connectable to (34), the cap (42) having a peripheral edge (60) and a flange (56) depending along at least a portion of the peripheral edge (60) (42) and a pedestal assembly (30) comprising a hold-down fixture (44) for detachably attaching the cap (42) to the support plate (34). The upright walls (38) define a quadrant support surface (40) on the upper support plate (34), each of the upright walls (38) passing fluid through a plurality of adjacent ballast blocks. 16. pedestal assembly according to characterized in that it has lateral orient spacing thickness to (T2) between the existing roof surface (10) sufficient to you discharged to a the ballast blocks in (30). The fixture (44) is a screw having a head (48) and a screw shaft portion (50), and the cap (42) has a central opening (46) for mating with the head (48) , 18. The pedestal assembly (30) according to claim 17, wherein the support plate (34) has a screw hole (52) located in the center where the support plate (50) is combined with the screw shaft portion (50). The fixture (44) pedestal assembly of claim 18, wherein further comprising a set of various lengths of the screws for use as (30). Least further includes two stackable members (34,68), according to claim wherein the support plate (34), characterized in that it is stackable received in the top of the stackable member (68) A pedestal assembly (30) according to claim 16. Pedestal assembly of claim 20 wherein said stackable member (68) is characterized in that there is provided a horizontal compensation function (30). Pedestal assembly of claim 18, wherein said screw and having an extended Biteiru drain passage (70) through which (30). On the roof structure of the existing, an outer surface thereof ballast block to be used in forming the the raised deck from (10) (12), and has a top surface (16) each is upwardly opened groove At least four corner portions (22) having (20) and a recessed area (18), the groove (20) being deeper in the ballast block (12) than the recessed area (18). A ballast block (12) characterized by comprising: The ballast blocks (12) of said corner portion (22) of the ballast blocks of claim 23 wherein the Ru Tei is corner cutting while forming a vertical end wall (28) (12). In each of the corner portions (22), said groove (20) said end wall (28) substantially parallel to the extending beauty, and further the recess zone (18) said end wall (28) grooves (20) that extend that at between, characterized in claim 24, wherein the ballast block (12). It said recess area (18) of claim 25, wherein the ballast blocks each shape characterized in that it is a trapezoidal (12).

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